A customs agency acts as an intermediary between the client and the customs office, representing the client before customs authorities. Its role is to correctly prepare and submit customs declarations, oversee the clearance process, and provide advice on customs and tax regulations. Working with an experienced agency minimizes the risk of delays and errors, speeds up procedures, and ensures compliance with applicable regulations.

Customs clearance requires, among other things: a commercial invoice, transport documents (e.g. CMR, bill of lading), a specification of goods, certificates of origin and relevant licences or permits. In addition, the customs agency must be granted the appropriate power of attorney.

Customs clearance consists of submitting goods for the appropriate customs procedure, verifying the documentation, and, if necessary, conducting a physical inspection of the cargo by customs officers. Once the inspection and verification are successfully completed, the customs office issues a decision granting the goods a customs status—meaning they are released for free circulation (in the case of imports) or authorized for export (in the case of exports). The process may be carried out under standard or simplified procedures, depending on eligibility.

The cost of customs clearance depends on several factors, including the type and value of the goods, the country of origin, and the customs procedure applied. The total cost includes customs duties (tariffs, VAT, excise), administrative fees, and the agency’s service charge. Additional costs may arise in cases of customs inspections, specialist checks, or incomplete documentation. Each shipment is priced individually.

The duration of the clearance process depends on the type of goods, the completeness of the documentation, and the chosen customs procedure. Typically, it takes from a few hours up to two working days but may be extended if additional inspections are required. For companies holding an AEO certificate, the process may be faster due to fewer controls.

The AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) certificate confirms that a company meets high standards of security and compliance with customs regulations. AEO status facilitates faster clearances, reduces the number of inspections, and simplifies procedures in international trade.

Simplified procedures allow authorized entities—such as AEO-certified companies—to submit simplified customs declarations, carry out clearance at an approved location, and settle customs declarations collectively. These measures make the customs process more efficient and less formalized.

No, the client does not need to be present during customs clearance. The customs agency operates under a power of attorney and can complete all formalities on behalf of the client, including electronically.

The EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is a unique identifier assigned to businesses engaged in international trade. It is required for customs clearance both when importing and exporting goods outside the European Union, such as from China or to the United Kingdom. In Poland, the EORI number is issued by the National Revenue Administration (KAS). Applications can be submitted online via the PUESC (Electronic Tax and Customs Services Platform). Obtaining an EORI number is free of charge and typically takes between one and three working days.

Following Brexit, the United Kingdom operates outside the EU customs union, which means customs clearance is required for imports and exports. The most common procedures include release for free circulation, transit, export, customs warehousing, and temporary admission. Businesses must also comply with UK documentation requirements and submit additional customs declarations.